Does anyone here have a problem with music?

[Robbed]

This is something that has been a thorn in my side for quite some time (DECADES!). Let's just say that my tastes in music are a little, well, different. And not exactly in any kind of 'cool', 'hip', or otherwise socially acceptable way (I have never been one for the sorts of music everybody likes, such as hard rock, metal, or gangster rap) . As a result, I tend to skirt around the question of 'What kind of music do you like?', especially since people tend to judge you based on your answer (and often in a VERY harsh and negative way). Things have gotten MUCH worse in this department in the last couple of months. Basically, a couple of months ago, a friend showed me this sizeable stack of of old records he got for a song (no pun intended) at local thrift stores and used vinyl stores. This got me intrigued, since I could buy quite a bit of old stuff that I have either never had, lost, or destroyed over the years. And I started buying quite a bit of old vinyl and used CDs over the last few weeks. But although I REALLY like this music that I have been buying, it has been affecting me in a VERY bad way. It just reminds me of how different I am from everybody else, and how people don't like me as a result. It all came to a head last week, when I lost a 'rewards card' that I had been using at one store. The guy there said that it is no problem, since he knows who I am because I 'come all the time' (I had been going there 1-2 times a week for a couple of weeks). He even knew my first and last name! When this happened, I KNEW I could no longer go there. And since then, I have been feeling REALLY bad about myself over the whole thing. Does anyone here feel the same way about music? Or am I one more 'one in a million' (and not in a good way)?

[jimmy2shoes]

I think your really catastrophizing the situation here.
Let's get some things straight that maybe you have irrationally concluded.
First off, music doesn't define you. While I agree that people can be quick to judge you based on your music taste, it is unlikely for someone to dislike or even like you purely on the music you like. The 'music' question is usually a 1 minute conversation when meeting someone new, and personally holds little significance in whether I actually like a person or not.
Secondly, someone who JUDGES you on the music you like, you don't want to be friends with them anyway. I can guarentee you that if you make friends with someone who thinks the kind of music you like is 'uncool' and not mainstream, down the road - you'll be 'uncool' for wearing thongs, or 'gay' for wearing a purple t-shirt...
I think the fact that this bothers you enough to make a thread about it, is evidence of a very irrational insecurity about being liked/accepted.
At the end of the day man, who cares what people think or what music you like. Or what hobby's you have, or what clothes you wear. The ones that are quick to judge are usually fuckwits, so don't waste your time with them, you know?
I understand where you're coming from - and theres nothing wrong with enjoying old labels, or whatever taste in music you have. I like the saying are you going be a sheep or a shephard.
Anyway, take care cut yourself some slack

[Robbed]

I posted something here before that I really didn't want to post. But I guess this new forum does not allow you to delete.

[Dylan123]

Hi Robbed, it's so funny that you should say that! I also get a bit worked up over music, but with me it's for a different reason. I often feel a bit like a Neanderthal when it comes to music. I tend to like the Indie scene and more experimental stuff as well as a lot of the classics, though truthfully, music is not and has never been a huge thing for me. I have played the guitar for a few years now, and I enjoy that immensely, but I have never been one of the 'cool' kids with regards to music. My ex-girlfriend knew loads of bands, was always on the up and up concerning new music / bands / gigs and the scene. I often felt like a bit of a douche if music did come up. I know what I like if I hear it and that's it really.

If I were you, I would feel proud that you like and know alternative music! The fact that the dude at the shop knows your name because you're in there so often isn't a reason to feel insecure. It says that you are a cultured individual. A lot of people will like certain music to become part of a group or, if they already are part of the group, say they like it so as to not get kicked out. How many great musical artists do you think love one style of music, and one style only? They're out there, but they're few and far between, trust me! I say, be proud you know good music. If you're feeling insecure talking about music to people around you, maybe you're just hanging with the wrong crowd..

[bigcat1967]

I agree w/ forwells. Everyone has different taste. I like heavy metal - but I know that this isn't mainstream at all - but I really don't care.